Celexa (Citalopram) is a drug used to help treat symptoms of major depression. It is considered an SSRI (selective-serotonin reuptake inhibitor) which means it influences the serotonin in the brain to help ward off depressive symptoms. It is also used as an off-label treatment for anxiety disorders, panic attacks, and obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). For many individuals, this drug is effective and serves the intended purpose of treating depression.
The problem with Celexa is that many people find that it leads to unbearable side effects including: weight gain and sexual dysfunction. Not only can this drug provoke unwanted side effects, in some cases it just doesn’t work as well as expected. There have also been disputes as to whether the R-stereoisomer of the drug has any effect. Some have argued that it is better to take Lexapro, which is essentially Celexa without the R-stereoisomer.
In any regard, most people that take Celexa will end up wanting to withdraw from it eventually. Most people do not want to be on antidepressants for life in order to cope with depression. There are simply too many side effects and most people notice that the antidepressant effects tend to wear off over time. In any event, if you withdraw from this medication, it is pretty much guaranteed that you are going to experience withdrawal symptoms.
Factors that influence Celexa withdrawal include…
There are various factors that play a role in influencing withdrawal from any psychiatric medication. These factors include things like: time span, dosage, your physiology, and whether you decided to quit cold turkey or conducted a gradual taper.
1. Time Span
How long were you taking Celexa? In general, the longer you take an antidepressant, the more difficult it will be to withdraw from. Your brain becomes accustomed to getting the extra serotonin activity as a result of the SSRI that you are taking. When you stop the drug, your brain isn’t get the extra serotonin that it was getting and may have a tough time readjusting to functioning without Celexa.
2. Dosage (10 mg, 20 mg, 40 mg)
Most of the time people are on a 20 mg dose of Celexa, but it can be administered at doses up to 40 mg per day. Some people may be on smaller doses than 20 mg, but in general, 20 mg is considered the standard dose. In most cases, the greater the amount of the drug that you have taken, the tougher it is to withdraw from.
3. Individual Physiology
In many cases, withdrawal symptoms are largely due to individual reactions to the drug. One person may experience extreme withdrawal symptoms that last months, while another person may feel back to 100% after a couple weeks of discontinuation. Many individual factors including: withdrawal sensitivity, environment, social support, and physiology can have an influence. If you experience a more extreme withdrawal than most, it could be largely due to individual differences.
4. Cold Turkey vs. Tapering
How did you quit taking Celexa? Did you stop abruptly without conducting a gradual taper? Or did you conduct a gradual taper over the course of a couple months? In most cases, the more slowly and cautiously you taper off of this medication, the easier it is to readjust to functioning without the drug.
If you quit cold turkey, it leaves most people in a state of mental disarray and chaos and the symptoms may be more severe. If you were on a high dose of Celexa (i.e. 40 mg), the weaning process should take longer than someone on 10 mg.
Celexa Withdrawal Symptoms: List of Possibilities
Below are a list of common symptoms that you may experience upon withdrawal from Celexa. Understand that you may experience a few of the symptoms, none of the symptoms, or most of the symptoms – it all depends on your individual circumstances. This list was created to help people so that they know what may occur during withdrawal.
- Anxiety: The anxiety that you experience during withdrawal may be pretty severe. It may be so severe that you feel nervous everywhere you go and/or have panic attacks. This is a result of your brain being left without reuptake inhibition of serotonin.
- Brain zaps: Most SSRIs can lead to a person experiencing “brain zaps” or electrical shock sensations upon withdrawal. These can be very uncomfortable and actually feel like your head is plugged into an electrical socket. Just know that these will subside the longer you are off the drug.
- Concentration problems: Many people report that they are unable to focus during withdrawal. It may be difficult to complete work-related tasks or school work during withdrawal. In many cases the concentration problems are due to the fact that physical symptoms distract our mental focus. Additionally a person may feel mentally slow and/or foggy when they stop the medication – this is likely due to changes in levels of neurotransmitters.
- Confusion: Your cognitive functioning can become impaired when you quit taking Celexa to the point of experiencing general confusion. This confusion may be a result of memory retrieval problems, but could also just be confused thinking.
- Crying spells: Some people report increased depression to the point of crying spells. Low serotonin can cause people to cry excessively. You may cry more than you have in your entire life during a withdrawal. Know that these spells will lessen in severity and eventually stop.
- Depression: Most people feel significantly worse when they stop taking Celexa in regards to depression. Many people feel as if their depression is actually worse than before they took this medication. This is a result of their brain no longer inhibiting the re-uptake of serotonin to the degree that occurred on the medication. It will take an extended period of time to fully recover from the withdrawal depression.
- Diarrhea: Some people experience an upset stomach to the point of diarrhea during their withdrawal. Â This is not as common of a symptom as others, but can be difficult to deal with if you are dealing with this. Â An easy solution for coping with this is to get some over-the-counter Imodium.
- Dizziness: Feeling dizzy is one of the most common symptoms to experience during SSRI withdrawal. If you suddenly stop taking Celexa cold turkey, the dizziness is thought to be longer lasting and more profound than during a gradual taper. Either way, you are likely going to experience some degree of dizziness when you quit. Â The longer you are off the drug, the more this symptom will improve.
- Fatigue: You may feel excessively fatigued for awhile after you quit Celexa. It may be difficult to get out of bed in the morning or even make it through a work day. The tiredness and lethargy may be pretty severe. Just recognize that this will gradually improve and your energy levels will start to return over time.
- Headaches: This is another classic symptom of SSRI withdrawal. Some people feel minor headaches for awhile, yet for others the headaches are pounding and feel more like migraines. Having a headache with dizziness is certainly uncomfortable – but both of these will gradually improve.
- Insomnia: Since some people take Celexa for treating insomnia, it is no wonder that they may actually experience insomnia when they stop taking it. Additionally even if you have never had insomnia before taking this drug, you may experience it during withdrawal.
- Irritability: Most people report a high amount of irritability in the first few weeks when they discontinue this drug. This is because the brain no longer is receiving the calming effect of the drug and it can be difficult to regulate emotions.
- Memory problems: It is common to experience memory problems to the point that you think you have lost your memory. Although you haven’t likely lost any memory, your thinking may be impaired so that your memory retrieval is impaired. As you recover during withdrawal, this will eventually heal itself.
- Mood swings: It’s very common to have bad mood swings when you stop taking Celexa. One minute you may feel pretty good, the next you may feel more depressed than ever. Just understand that these mood swings are all part of withdrawal. They may persist for a long time, but will eventually subside.
- Nausea: Some people experience nausea when they first quit this drug. You may feel nauseated all day and in some cases, want to vomit. Most people do not have nausea extreme enough to lead to vomiting, but it can be a tough withdrawal symptom to deal with.
- Sleep changes: It is very likely that your sleep cycle will be affected when you withdraw from this drug. You may notice that you have crazy dreams and/or that you aren’t able to get a good night’s sleep. You may sleep during the day and be unable to fall asleep at night. Just know that things will return to normal if given enough time.
- Suicidal thoughts: It is very common to experience suicidal thoughts when discontinuing an antidepressant. Any SSRI that is withdrawn from is likely to lead a person to feeling suicidal. Many doctors view this as a worsening in depression, when in reality it is a result of antidepressants causing suicidality upon withdrawal.
- Weight changes: Most people gain weight when they take Celexa – this is a result of serotonin changes. When a person stops taking this drug, they will likely drop the weight that they gained while taking the drug. Â For more information read about antidepressants and weight gain.
Celexa Withdrawal Timeline: How long does it last?
Most doctors will tell you that the withdrawal symptoms should subside within a few weeks of withdrawal. If your symptoms subside within a few weeks, consider yourself lucky and in the minority. Most people experience withdrawal effects over a month after they have quit their medication. I recommend giving yourself at least 90 days before evaluating the withdrawal symptoms.
I have gone through my fair share of antidepressant withdrawals – including that from Celexa and have found that three months time is good for re-evaluation. The problem for most people is that the symptoms are so severe in the first few weeks of withdrawal that they feel as if their life will never be the same. During withdrawal it is important to do your best not to get caught up in the symptoms – rather focus on what you can do to recover as fast as possible.
Things that will help you recover quicker include: eating healthy, forcing yourself to get some light exercise, and getting a proper night’s sleep. If you are struggling to come to terms with symptoms and/or cope, be sure to talk to a therapist or professional about what you are experiencing. It can also be very helpful to talk to others on forums that are also going through Celexa withdrawal – many people that have experienced it are better to talk to because they actually “get it.”
Feel free to share your experience with the withdrawal process in the comments section below. This may give someone else some reassurance that they are not alone in dealing with difficult symptoms. I personally have withdrawn from this medication and know that it’s not easy, but I also know that as enough time passes, you will eventually experience a full recovery.
I am currently on day 6 of withdrawal from citalopram, and the zaps are definitely kicking in, but with the help of family, and that awesome man upstairs, I have calmed (somewhat) the dizziness and brain zaps. I went to an awesome prayer group at a church (C3) in San Diego and how ever this sounds to you, as how it would to myself, I am battling this with prayer and exercise. Anything to take my mind of noticing the zaps… All of the feedback here helped my journey…thank you all and hope to post about my “normal” life after withdrawal.
I want to cry. Withdrawal is awful! I was on 40mg a day for 12 years. I feel like crap now. I’ve been off it for a week and a half and I have constant brain zaps, dizziness, fever and rash. How long will this last?
I’m on week 4 after taking 20 mg for at least 8 years and 40 before that–I’m exhausted—cannot accomplish the simplest task without wanting to lay down and take a nap. I have constant stomach upset, stomach is really bloated, and I am gassy. I gained over 30 pounds on this drug and am worried that I’ll never be able to lose the weight. The only good thing I am doing right now is water therapy a few days a week. I just want to feel better.
I tapered off from 20 mg. beginning June 15. It was a battle. I have been taking 20 mg. for the past 4 years, and I too have suffered weight gain and low libido. I quit taking it entirely on July 20. I can say that it has only been in the last week that I feel the mood swings, crying jags, and overall body dysfunctions have finally subsided. Activity helps. You have to make yourself get up out of your funk and do even the tiniest physical activity. It helps.
Stay as active as possible. This site has helped me so much knowing that I am not alone – I come to it several times a week to help me stay stronger. Again, it’s a battle – my thinking is that some people need to find a different type of antidepressant. My doctor is so flippant about it – I will be changing doctors. I didn’t even tell him what I was doing; I just weaned myself off of it, as difficult as this has been. I just totally believe that Celexa – Citalopram is a bad, bad drug.
Hi Amy, I am wondering how long it took your belly to go back to it’s normal state? I am on week 3 with no Celexa and the bloating and gas is the absolute worst symptom for me. I am a clean eater, exercise frequently and tapered for about 4 months from 30mg down to 5mg after 6 years on Celexa as my husband and I are soon to start trying to conceive. I had no IDEA that this excessive bloating could be due to the celexa until I looked it up.
I had tons of tests done, and my GP and GI were sort of at a loss as everything looked normal. Is your bloating/gas situation any better? I just need to know that there is light at the end of this dark, terrible, tunnel. I wish I had never started these meds to begin with.
Hi Brooke. Don’t know if you will receive this as I have not checked back for over a month. The bloating has subsided a little. I’ve been to the doctors several times. Because of the weight gain, I now have sleep apnea and will be wearing an oral device soon to help me breathe normally again. I am hopeful that this, too, will help with me feelingn better and getting my life back on track. I am grateful that I was not working at the beginning of this nightmare of withdrawal. The IBS is still present, but I am now taking probiotics and these have helped a great deal. I wish I had never taken this drug.
I have only been taking cit for four months and have gone on holiday and forgot my meds!!! Five days in and experiencing irritability, bad dreams, insomnia, mood swings and vile brain zaps. But feel much better after reading all your comments, thank you.
I stopped taking my Citalopram last week and while I didn’t quit cold turkey I didn’t taper off like I should have. I’ve experienced several withdraw symptoms, but the dizziness has been the worst. I was taking 40mg a day since 2006 and I’m so hoping that this dizziness won’t last much longer. I can handle all the other symptoms but I hate feeling like I’m going to fall over.
I’m very glad I came across this website and was able to read everyone’s comments. I am 24 and I had been on Celexa from the time I was around 7 years old due to anxiety and panic attacks. Over the years other medicine was added but I always remained on 40 mg of Celexa. A month ago my doctor took me off of it and increased another one of my medicines so that my husband and I could start trying for a baby more safely. It has been an absolute nightmare.
The nausea has been so severe and the crying at the drop of hat led us to believe I was pregnant. I’m about 5 weeks out from quitting the medicine after I tapered off of it for an additional 2 weeks prior. The nausea is still there, I still cry at the silliest of things and now I’ve started having these convulsing-like shaking spells where I shake and shiver so badly that I can’t think properly, and it’s hard to even walk or talk.
The shaking spells are what’s killing me right now. It’s greatly affecting my daily life. I can’t wait for all this to subside!
My daughter found this site for me. I thought I was losing my mind and also the symptoms of a heart attack that sent me to the E.R. I am glad to know that it is part of getting off cit. Reading these accounts gives me a new outlook. Thank you, Roberta
I have been taking celexa for nearly 9 years. I decided to taper down, starting with 20mg; which I took for a year. But, now I’m starting the 10 mg and I feel like hell. I feel disoriented, nauseous, have debilitating headaches, and have no patience for anything, and I’m a psychtherapist, so patience is a HUGE part of my job. The information here was very helpful and I hope that I begin to feel better in the coming months.
Thanks so much for this site. Just off Citalopram, finally, after one year on, weaning for last 3 mos, off totally just a week, but yep, brains zaps & dizziness whenever up & down especially, even lying still in bed for a while…very disturbing, but glad I read these comments….will perservere!
I have been on 40 mg Celexa for 4 yrs. I decided to stop taking it because I wanted my life back. I’ve been off it for 5 days now and feel terrible. The headaches, dizziness,and feelings of being sick are awful. I was glad I found this post cause I thought I was the only one with these feelings. I want a normal life again. My prayers are with everyone who is going through this also.
I was taking Citalopram for 12 years, on a 20 mg dosage. I am close to retirement now, and decided that I really wanted to get off this drug. I had consulted with my physician first, and reduced the dosage from 20 to 10 by splitting the pill for about 2 weeks and then stopped the dosage after that. I did not notice much of a difference when going from 20 to 10, but when I stopped, what a pain.
I experienced the brain zaps, nausea, dizziness, and sleep difficulty at times. After 2 weeks, today was the first day that the brain zaps subsided somewhat. These things are awful, every time I turn my head, the brain has to catch up. I am looking forward to when these withdrawal symptoms go away. The comments on this blog have really helped, knowing I am not the only one with this issue. Exercise and a good night’s rest help.
I’ve been on celexa for 20 something years. Low dose. Also on Wellbutrin. I decided to remove the celexa and I tapered off over a month, reducing my dose to half, then every other day then off. Last dose was July 28th. I feel horrible. But after reading the comments, I am hopeful. The worst for me are the mornings. I have severe brain fog. I can’t focus, and my vision is blurry.
It feels like I am coming down from an LSD stone (yes I was a teenager in the early 70s). Those of you who partook in such drugs will know what I mean when I say I have ‘trailing’. For those of you who don’t, it’s when you turn your head and it takes a few seconds for your vision and perception of things to catch up with you. I also feel slightly anxious in the am. Anyone else experience these things? I see that anxiety can be common. Mine is only in the morning. Thanks, and I know this too shall pass:) -Cyd
Hi, I’ve been on 20 mg citalopram for just over a year. Doctor suggested coming off the tablets so went from 20mg down to 10mg fine without any symptoms then 10mg every other day without any symptoms. Now gone down to 5mg every other day and feel sick, dizzy spells, foggy head, slight anxiety. Has anyone else had withdrawal symptoms before actually completely stopping?
Thank you so much for writing this as two Doctors I spoke to were not nearly as helpful and said that cutting down from 10mg to 5mg was silly and not worth it. I was on 40 mg for 2 years and have cut down slowly and since I stopped completely have experienced most of the withdrawals. Dizziness and brain zapping, sudden crying episodes and mood swings. Thought I should go back on as nearly smoked some skunk even though I am 28 years off all drugs, etc. Your article reassured me as I know I need to stay off them and reconnect with reality.
I was on 20mg of Celexa for two years due to panic attacks and severe stress. I decided to wean off under my doctors guidance. He suggested 20 to 10 to 0.
The first 3 weeks of 10mg were fine until I dropped down further to 5. I started to experience very bad dreams, anxiety, and extreme stress. The stress was so bad that I felt dizzy and very tired. I felt a lot of pressure in my head and got bad headaches.
I’m going to ride it out to 0mg! I know it’s possible.
I went off of Celexa cold-turkey about 2 weeks ago. I had been taking it for about 4 yours…started at 20, then 30, and have been on 40 mg for the past year (I kept feeling like it wasn’t really helping, so my PCP would up the dosage). Suddenly found myself “between insurance coverage”, and could not afford the refills, so I decided to just stop taking it. Maybe it really doesn’t help, I thought. First week and a half, I did not notice any difference. But for the past few days now, I’ve been so panicky, irritable, emotional, and distracted…to the extreme. Has anyone found any good natural or herbal supplements that help this withdrawal trauma?
Thanks to all of you for your responses and to the writer as well. I was prescribed this medication for anxiety when I was in college, and I was so excited to find something that stopped my anxiety, I didn’t think twice about researching what my doctor gave me. He started me at 40 mg, which I now realize is such a high starting dosage! I didn’t know until I went to a general physician and she was astonished I was taking such a high dose.
She immediately told me that I should dial it down. After hearing about this, I realized how crazy it was I didn’t look into this before. I am so happy to be weaning off of this now. Seeing everyone’s feedback has be very inspiring and extremely helpful. It has given me the strength to continue on, even though these side effects are no joke. I appreciate everyone and good luck to all, and congrats to all who have made it through!
I’ve been on it since I left the military. It’s been over 12 years now. I stopped cold turkey and it’s been a week. I’m a wreck inside. I’m having lows and highs. Really good times and just the last 2 days I’ve snapped really bad. I started having weird dreams the last couple of days to. I’m glad, I found this site to let me know that I’m not going crazy. Its given me some hope to stay with it and not go back on it.
After suffering a life event, I was put on citalopram 20mg. It is a great drug and works very effectively. After a few years of healing I am able to take myself off the drug with the assistance of my doctor. I am 6 days in with no citalopram, but must admit, the side effects were much stronger than first anticipated.
I have been feeling a little bit of all the side effects listed above. Most notably anxiousness, and the feeling of putting my head in a light socket. My doctor said coming off 10mg should take 7 to 10 days. I guess we’ll see. I will update in a week to let you guys know if the effects begin to subside, but hell or high water, I’m coming off this drug.
Yesterday was my last day of taking Celexa 20mg after a year of being on it for anxiety. I came across this site while looking up potential withdrawal symptoms I may come to face. After 24 hours of being of this medication, I’ve noticed a slight change in my mood. I feel calmer than most days I was on the medication. I’ve had some anxiety over the thought of quitting my med cold turkey but no anxiety over the stuff I usually would get nervous about.
I’ve quit cold turkey before and experienced the “zaps” which led me to continue the medication in fear that I just wasnt ready to quit. Finding this site has definitely helped ease my mind on becoming “Celexa free”. I’m sending out positive vibes to anyone trying to quit this medication! Good luck!
I stopped taking the prescription last Tues after tapering off for 5 weeks. I had been on it for about 16 months. I was given it to relieve anxiety. It worked well. Since then all the triggers for anxiety are gone in my life. I decided to stop. I figured taper down and it shouldn’t bother me. Wrong. This has been rough, brain zaps, nausea, aches, diarrhea, trapped gas, exhaustion, etc. Yesterday I even ran a temp. This blog has been so helpful. I’ll keep going one day at a time. Have been advised to take milk this and dandelion caps. I hope I never have to take a drug like this again. It wreaks havoc on the body.
I was on 20 mg for 4 years. I quit cold turkey 2 months ago. I have had crazy dreams, insomnia, nausea, headaches, dizziness and lots of joint aches and pains and very restless. It has been very difficult but not all days are difficult. It comes and goes. I can’t focus and forget things and feel clumsy and injury prone but I am going to do this because the doctors prescribing this drug know less than we do.
It is worth it and I encourage all of you to stay strong and know it gets better. Antidepressants have been overprescribed and forums like this get the truth out about how bad these drugs are messing with our minds and bodies. Spread the word and hopefully with Gods help I will get to the root of my problems and struggled and deal with them in a much healthier way.
THE BRAIN ZAPS!!! Oh my word, I was convinced I had Alzheimer’s!! And the depression is unbelievable!! Honestly don’t know why this drug would ever be prescribed. The withdrawal can make you commit suicide. Will NEVER take another antidepressant. EVER.
Thank you to everyone who has put comments up. It has helped me tremendously to know that others have experienced the same things. I was on citalopram for depression for 14 years and on 40mgs for the last 6 years. I experienced emotional blunting for the last few years gradually getting worse, couldn’t cry or feel joy, just low level bland. Some people might think that is a good thing, but I felt like a zombie with no feelings at all.
Anyway my GP started me on Valdoxan, a mood stabilizer, as I am also mildly bi-polar. After a month on that I started weaning myself off the citalopram (celexa). I dropped to 30mg for a month, with side effects lasting only for 2-3 days. That encouraged me to drop more quickly so I went to 20mg for 2 weeks, with the same results, and 10mg for 1 week, same results again. So then I stopped completely, still taking Valdoxan though.
Well, that was a shocker. Now I am on day 6 and am experiencing all the physical symptoms that everyone else has noted. I have headaches, brain zaps, nausea, diarrhea and dizziness, hot and cold spells, and am tired but can’t sleep for very long. It is totally different to when I reduced the quantity. It seems like the moment you stop completely you get the whole whammy of withdrawal effects. I am now worrying how long it will last as I would also like to go off the Valdoxan, which luckily has no withdrawal effects at all, so they say anyway.
But at least it seems as though it would not have made any difference if I had tapered much more slowly as I never had much in the way of effects when I reduced the dose. And from what I have been reading here it seems like for most people you get the same effect whether you do it fast or slow. Anyway good luck to everyone and I will keep you posted.
Oh my gosh, I’m glad I found this thread. I felt like I was the only one going crazy trying to get off of the Celexa. I’ve been on it for 5 years. I was prescribed it for my insomnia and general anxiety issues. I started on 20mg for the first 3 years or so, and then I went down to 10mg. I still felt alright on the 10mg.
About six months ago I decided to stop taking them completely because I just don’t know what the long term effects are of being on them. So basically I have been trying to wean off these things for the last 6 months. 10mg, to 7 1/2mg, to 5mg. It’s hard to break the pill into four even pieces so I’m sure the doses got a little mixed but not too badly. Every time I decreased the dosage I would feel a little weird for a week or so but I would adjust.
I’m finding the jump from as little as 5mg to 2 1/2mg is so hard, it’s such a tiny amount I’m guessing that it’s like I’m totally off of them. I’m dizzy when I turn my head to the side, have anxiety all day for no reason at all, have terrible concentration issues and have basically no attention span. The worst part of all is the insomnia is back in full force! I get anxiety just thinking about trying to go to sleep.
I’ve had to take Xanax now for that problem. This is so annoying that today I took 5mg of Celexa, thinking I should just get back on it. I don’t think I can stop taking these pills ever, or I’ll just have insomnia! It sucks that I’m having to take Xanax to help wean off Celexa.
I decided to go off cold turkey (c40 for 20+ yrs) with the help of homeopathy and have been off about a month now. Still feel nauseated, irritable and lighted headed. I’ve lost about 2-3 lbs already without trying. Homeopathy has helped considerably! My homeopathic practitioner is sending me a new remedy to help with my current symptoms. Until my homeopath practitioner suggested that what I was feeling were withdrawal symptoms, I thought it was a return to depression. My question is, how do I know what are withdrawal symptoms and what is the illness?
Help! My withdrawals are terrible. I feel like I have the flu. Diarrhea, upset stomach, my body feels worn down and my skin is antsy. I wanna take it again just to make this stop.
I am trying to come off this drug. I have been on 20mg for 9 months for depression and anxiety. My doctor warned me about sexual dysfunction. She said it would “take the edge off”. It seemed to work in the sense that I wasn’t as depressed or anxious after about a month in. But this has gone from feeling better to feeling nothing, I don’t cry when I should, I am not fearful when I should be. I have gained 20 pounds.
By some sheer luck I was found to have a fatty liver on ultrasound for abdominal pain, which had me questioning whether Celexa could be a culprit. Big Pharma never tell you their dirty little secrets. I had brain zaps for a year coming off Paxil 5 years back, my doctor had no answer, had not heard of it. Now five years later it is now being recognized that serotonin discontinuation syndrome includes brain zaps. I have ready some reports of people who have died from Celexa ruining their livers, whether it is celexa alone or in combination with other drugs.
Most people will never know if they have a fatty liver, but if you are on Celexa and gain weight fast, get your liver checked. I am done with this drug, not because I think it has added to my liver issue, but because there are too many side effects. My short term memory is shot. I can not remember a thing, I forget what I am doing. I used to be a nurse, there is NO way I could ever work with this memory issue.
I am tired all the time. And indifferent, to the degree I do not feel human. When a loved one dies, you should be able to cry. I am at 10 mgs (from 20mgs) and have been really irritable, edgy. But I can think a bit clearer. I will try to reduce to 5 mgs next week, and I hope I avoid the hell people go through coming off this drug. I know this drug can help people, but at what cost? Some people can never get off them and this is wrong.
I’ll try anything, vitamins, omega fatty acids, exercise, mediation, just anything other than this drug. I do not know what it will be like, I know Paxil was hell to discontinue. But I didn’t do what I am now, in being able to connect to so many others also having a hard time coming off their meds. The support is really a huge thing. I hope everyone going through this experience has some comfort in knowing they are not alone in this. All the best to you.
Hi Kathleen, I am on week 4 of weaning off 20 mg after almost 2 years of taking the medication (approx. 5 mg a week). What has helped me the most is my faith in God. I have been trying to focus on how good I am going to feel once I am finally off the drug and not focusing on the zaps, being tired, weight gain and memory fog. Believe me, if I start to fell depressed I look for something that will help me feel better (getting a massage, for example or watching a funny movie.)
Keeping positive is the best advice I can give along with when you feel agitated, irritated, zappy just stop what you are doing and take a real deep breath and think of something that has happened that made you happy or something you would like to achieve that will make you happy (like me to lose the weight that I gained :-). Good luck to you. Writing always helps too. There are people who are going through the same thing, like me, who will remember you in their prayers for quick recovery.
I’ve tapered off citalopram before about 6 months ago and failed to cope so went back on since then I have had talking therapy and my therapist is happy for me to come off so for the past few months I’ve tapered off my dose and two days ago came right off and now the hell has started! I’m off work and scarred to explain the real reason to my boss why I can’t come in! I am ready to come off them but hate coming off! I have just about all the symptom list and feel yuck!! How long is it likely to be this bad for? I can’t afford to be off work because of my depression/mess again! Sorry for the rant, advice and encouragement will be greatly received! Sarah
I started taking Celexa 20mg about ten years ago. I slowly winged myself off by taking it every other day for a while, then after about a month, I went to every two days for a while. So on and so forth. I quit finally when there were no withdrawal symptoms in between taking them. I started this process about three months after I broke my femur and hip March 2014.
Anxiety and depression hit me hard again about four months ago. My hip and femur were still hurting with pain every day. I don’t have the money to do anything about it, see a pain specialist etc. etc. I didn’t give myself enough time and there were not enough pills left to do the gradual taper off, so here I am with the brain zaps, feeling tired, dizzy, and lonely.
As ya’ll know, nobody understands what you are going through, and it’s hard to explain, and pretty much useless to even try. I am sooooo glad to have found this site. Thank you to everyone involved with your testimonies, and advise. I asked my husband to read at least ten minutes into the site. He did. At least he hasn’t given me a hard time since. That has helped a lot. With the Lords’ help, I will no longer have withdrawals soon. Maybe even tomorrow. Thank you Mental Health Daily!
I’ve been on celexa since 2001 and have just weaned off of it almost 2 weeks ago. Was on 20mg. for many years then recently to 10mg for 4 days to 5mg. for 4 days to completely off. I was fatigued before I got off celexa and have been for a few years now but now I feel even worse. Cant get motivated to do things, just tired all the time and its wearing me out.
Also, I feel like I am in a fog all the time and my head is spinning a lot. Maybe, that is why I don’t feel like doing anything. I get angry very easily and I’m always in such a bad mood, crying for no reason; I’m even about to cry right now as I’m typing this story and I know I wouldn’t of done that before, even being the sensitive person I am. I hope these symptoms go away soon.
It feels like I have no control on anything. The reviews I have read tell me to keep moving forward and they will soon subside but, I just feel so depressed. I will do the best I can though. I don’t want to get back on celexa again even though it helped me when I needed it the most in my life. I want to get off some meds that I don’t need anymore. Its just the side effects that are really hurting me.
Debra, I have been taking a vitamin named 5-HTP to counter the effects of coming off celexa and it is helping. I also take some dark chocolate every day and that also helps. I had some pretty vivid dreams and had to fight some suicidal thoughts but I worked out this morning and just fought through it. I don’t want to be on this drug anymore, taking it really messed things up for me. Hell I have no idea if it works or not. If I have no choice and I have to go back on something I guess it is what it is, but I want to fight through and stay off the meds.
Dr took me off citalopram cold turkey. I was on 40mg for 15 years. Unfortunately I was taken off my anti-psychotic drug seroquel at the same time (cold turkey also). I felt I was leaving my brain behind when I moved my eyes and I cannot sleep at night. It doesn’t matter if I sleep a couple of hours during the day or not, as the evening wears on I become more and more alert and sleep is impossible.
I am getting a maximum of six hours sleep and sometimes only four after lying in bed for up to 5 hours. My tinnitus, which I had gotten used to, is now very loud in my head and very disturbing. unfortunately all this was attributed to my new anti-psychotic, so they have been playing around with that. I am so glad to know I am not alone and as you tell me, it does not last forever. I have to go back to college soon and I need sleep.
I have been on 20mg for about 4 months. I went on vacation and forgot to take it for a few days. Then I told myself, heck, I don’t need this drug to run my life anymore. Given the low stress/anxiety nature of vacations, coming off it was easy. But some side effects did persist – now I am about 2 weeks in.
– brain zap. weird and a bit sci-fi-ish
– irritability – I screamed at my kids a lot and my wife is taking us all to a child psychologist so we can all get along better. Didn’t help that my kids told me unprovoked that it would make no difference to them if I wasn’t around in the family. That hurt a lot given I work so hard to put these kids through school and such. It didn’t help that they said this when I was withdrawing from Celexa. Life is a b*tch isn’t it.
– tiredness
– minor depression
– one day only – I felt agitated with unexpected sounds or sights
I have been drinking more than 2 drinks a day and I cut back on that since the time I withdrew from celexa. Maybe that’s making things worse? I don’t know.
I have now been off citalopram for just over 5 weeks. And only this last week have actually had any anxiety like the pulling feeling in my chest, lump in my throat, and crying spells. The nights are harder to fall asleep again. But I feel more like me again which is good. It is definitely worth sticking with it I think. When I feel any anxious feelings I try to take my mind off of it. Instead of saying no to parties or days out I make sure I push myself to go to get back to the old me. And am glad at the end of the day for doing it!! : )… Who wants to be stuck on pills for life?! If I can do it, You sure can.
Natasha, it is reassuring to read something positive on this site and to hear from someone who is doing it! I’m finding this site a bit frightening otherwise. I’ve been on citalopram for 10 years and have been up to 40 mg for the past few years and am thinking about cutting down. Thanks for your encouraging words!!
I was only on Celexa for panic attacks for a few months before I noticed I had gained about 10 pounds. Before that I had maintained a healthy weight within about 5 pounds all through college and a few years after, even while eating and drinking (almost) whatever I wanted. I’m active and workout regularly, and there was no other explanation as to why I would have gained so much weight so quickly. I was only on 10mg, and decided I needed to go off of it so I wouldn’t gain any more weight.
I have been off of it for about a month, but I’m still gaining about a pound a week even though I’m watching what I eat and working out more!!! I really don’t know what to do at this point and I’m getting more and more discouraged the more I read. Has anyone lost the weight they gained on Celexa after going off of it? Everything that I’m reading online is scaring me into thinking that no matter what people are trying, the weight isn’t coming off.
Luckily I haven’t experienced any of the other side effects except for a complete lack of libido, but I’m really starting to panic about continuing to gain weight, as I thought quitting Celexa would fix the problem.
I’m on week 6 of a 6 week tapering down to get off citalopram. The worst thing is the anger. It comes unexpectedly and I feel out of control. I’m so mad and it’s over small stuff. I’ve been on 40 MG for TEN years. I want to see if I can function off of it but some days of withdrawal are so hard! My poor husband has been so understanding but I don’t know how much more the poor guy can take. Ugh. When will I feel normal again?
You have been on a high dose for 10 years so your brain chemistry and structures (receptor sites, etc) have literally grown/shrunk to adjust to it. You may wish to consider reducing much more slowly – it is not a case where the withdrawal just fades away, this is not like other drugs.
Glad to be off of these pills. I tried to do what the doctor said and cut the pill in half. I immediately felt sea sick and went back on the full dose. I then waited a week and tried again. This thin I shaved 1/10 of the pill off with a knife. I did this for five weeks till I got to a half of a pill. After that I went to 25% for a week then stopped in full. I have had some minor sea sickness but thankfully I think that I am officially off the pill. If you truly think that you should be off this drug stay the course but take it slow.
100% agree – take it slow. See my post below. and other readers, look up tapering and ssri and read up before making the mistakes others here have made by cutting too fast. The repercussions can be substantial and protracted.
I was on Citalopram for 13 years, During the time I have been on I had 2 really good jobs that I lost just because of my temper and I am looking at a losing a third that if something doesn’t change I will lose it for the same reason. I have been on several different dosage quantities during the time and I must tell you while the drug covers up a lot of issues when I do become angry the result for me is out of control anger. It is very frustrating because 90 percent of the time I am in good spirits and a good mood so when this comes out it is difficult for people to understand because I act completely irrational and I have zero ability to control it.
I am rolling to dice by quitting it because with it I am fat and irritable anyway. I was weened to a lower dose a few months ago but quite honestly no matter what the dose is the asshole in me still comes to the surface in a way that frightens people. So really I have nothing to lose by trying to get off it. I have a head ache and MY head is foggy, but the other result is unacceptable for me. I am going to exercise and gut it out. I am reluctant to tell my employer that I am on anti depressants and I am trying to get off them so please accept and over look my childish and angry and disrespectful behavior. This too shall pass.
Hi James, When I found this site I made sure that I read all of the entries and found that indeed, “misery loves company” :-). I have been on citalopram for a shorter period of time than you but I still believe that weaning yourself off the drug is much better than going cold turkey. I did a lot of research and found that “weaning” is the best way to go. I also am obese which does not help matters much and I believe that I gained additional weight while on this drug. Believe me I know that the frustration of being over weight leads to a lot of internal and external anger.
I am on the road to realizing that there is no one other than myself that can do anything about losing weight. So, very slowly, like weaning myself off my medicine I started to watch what I was eating and walking a little (and a little more each week). When things start making your “edgy” go for a walk or take some deep breaths. It helps, believe me. I am a believer in God and I find solace in peace. I hope you find your solace and continue to do good things for yourself. Anger only creates medical problems for yourself and affects no one else. Good luck to you!!
Hello, my name is Kimberley. I’ve been on Citalopram since 2004 when I went through a home invasion, since taking them I’ve gone through many breakdowns and anxiety problems. My GP put me up to 60mg, which I felt if I missed one day by accident, I would just feel so sick and not myself. Lately I have decide to go cold turkey on them. It’s almost been 2 weeks since I have taken them. The worst side effect I am coping with is the pounding headaches and forever feeling sleepy.
I do feel like I am improving. My mother is worried that it isn’t a good idea to just go cold turkey on them cause of my dad committing suicide from the meds he went off. But I have kept myself busy, I play a lot of online games or play with my dog. I do get the feelings to go back on citalopram again, but I keep telling myself not too. I would really like some support, as my family and friends don’t agree, when they think I should go back on it. I really don’t want to have to rely on taking this drug for the rest of my life.
Hope you are feeling better. Don’t rush going off the meds. Shave the pill to 90%. Then take that for a week. Then do 80% etc. I was taking much less dose than you and I couldn’t go cold turkey. I took me 6 weeks but glad to say. I’m feeling like I’m fully done. Be good to your body and take it slow. What’s a few more weeks in the grand scheme? Read more posts online. You will see others say the same.
Hi Kimberley, A home invasion is a very scary situation to go through. I certainly hope that you sought professional help that would allow you to talk through the many fears that you faced after your ordeal. I am not a doctor but I think that going off 60mg of this drug cold turkey is not a good idea. You need to discuss with your GP why you want to go off the medication and ask that he/she help you.
I was 20 mg for about 2-1/2 years and am slowly weaning myself off the drug 5 mg every 10 days. I still have minor headaches and am very sleepy. Please see your doctor for assistance. Like you I do not want to depend on this drug but realize that I will have to start living a more healthy lifestyle (losing weight, exercise). Good luck to you and God bless.
I have been on Celexa for 4-5 years, went from 20-30 mgs for anxiety. I missed a Dr apt and ran out of pills–I wanted off them anyway. I gained weight and lost all sex drive on the meds. So, I quite taking them last week, been about 7 days now–first few days were not a big deal. I noticed I have been having vibrant dreams–some a bit frightening but I can deal. I have headaches, thank goodness for ibuprofen.
For sleeplessness I take one Advil PM-works great. Today I am very dizzy, going to need a ride home from work–almost feel drunk. Have been tired. I am going to get through this–in just 7 days I have a sex drive… Its been gone for years. It is worth the side effects–I am doing all I can to stay calm and if something comes up that would be an anxiety trigger, I am walking away. I wish everyone the best who is coming off. If we stick together, we will all get through this.
I started Citalopram about 8 years ago because I felt like I was losing my mind during menopause. It helped for years. Some time ago I started getting dizzy spells, confusion and unable to recall words, along with a constant sensation my ear was blocked. More recently the brain zaps started which I recognized as a side effect of the Citalopram.
While I’ve been going through unsuccessful diagnostic evaluations of my symptoms, I chose to stop the Citalopram with my physician’s guidance. Now with the withdrawal symptoms I still don’t know what’s from the drug, I was getting very discouraged, I so appreciate reading the entries at this site; they’ve given me hope that it all may clear up. My big concern now is crying at work. I’m prone to crying anyway now it sounds like it’s just a matter of time.
Hi NP, I have to say that one of the side effects that helped make my mind up to quit taking citalopram was that I was forgetting words as well. That really bothered me along with dizzy spells. How many mg’s were you taking per day? What has your doctor directed you to do as far as reducing the amount per day?
I have had so much going on lately that I haven’t had a chance to pick up my refill of Celexa. I haven’t had any in 5 or 6 days. I have been on 20 mg for 2 1/2 years. My grandpa passed away a few days ago and we had his funeral yesterday. I have been a mess, nauseated, and unable to get out of bed some days. I contributed it all to stress and his passing. I woke up this morning with a a very vivid dream. I have been dizzy, nauseated, extremely fatigued, had diarrhea, heart racing, and have been unable to concentrate all day (some of these symptoms I have had a few days).
I was thinking I had the flu or food poisoning. I called my fiance and he said he was feeling fine and suggested that maybe I feel this way because I haven’t had my Celexa in a few days. I did some research and found this blog. It never occurred to me that I would be having withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms are horrible. For those living celexa free, I wish you all the luck!
Tosha – So sorry to hear about the passing of your grandfather. I also have been on 20 mg of Celexa for about 2-1/2 years and have continued until three days ago after finding this site. I have gained weight and did not feel like exercising, very fatigued while on the drug that I decided it was time to live life again without the drug. I was so thankful when I found this site and decided to reduce the amount of medication slowly using a pill cutter.
My plan is to reduce the amount that I take every 7 days for 4 weeks. So far I have had just a little nausea and vivid dreams but the other side effects seem to be in check. I keep on looking forward to feeling like exercising a little and losing some weight. I don’t like the feeling of being held hostage by a drug.
I have been on Celexa 20mg for over 22 years. I started taking them due to severe panic attacks. Over the years I have gained in excess of 40 lbs. I started to think “how long can one take these meds?” “Are they still working?” I sometimes feel slave to medications. There are life-sustaining medications I can’t live without but is Celexa one of them? About 4 weeks ago I forgot to put in a refill and ran out of pills. My health insurance carrier demands I go through the mail.
This would mean it would probably take another 8-10 days before I would receive them. I thought to myself, this might be a good time to stop taking them. As a result I stopped taking them abruptly. Since then I have experienced lucid dreams and nightmares, excessive talking. My talking is out of control. I just started a new job and I am trying so hard to control my mouth. I am praying this will subside. I’ve had bouts of insomnia and crazy sleep patterns.
Nausea and dizziness. I cry at the drop of a hat. People must think I’m nuts. My emotions are all over the map. I am determined to stay Celexa free. I’m taking it one day at a time. I see that most of you who have commented have experienced the same of similar effects. Thank you for sharing and I believe we will all get through it…one day at a time.
Great post! Thank you!
Update! ok so it’s been about 3 months now being anti-depressant free! The crying has stopped, my excessive mouth, emotions have stopped nausea and dizziness stopped. Still have some lucid dreams but that’s ok. Overall I am doing great. Just thought I’d share. Happy and Celexa free!
I am 4 weeks since reducing from 20mg to 10mg. The past week the symptoms have become crazy: brain zaps, not being able to sleep, crying, horrible to people, can not regulate my mood and most of all the headache and anxiety is excruciating. When will this improve? I am worried that I have these symptoms and still on 10mg! How will I ever be able to reduce and come off it completely?
I’ve been off Celexa for about two weeks now and I think the worst thing is the dizziness. My eyes can’t catch up with my head and it feels like I’m spinning. I can sit for hours at a time and not move. All my dreams now are vivid and I can remember them. I cry more easily and I’m very irritable. This forum has helped me so much. I’m not going to give up and I’m not going to start taking it again no matter what. My summer is filled with these withdrawals and that’s okay because my autumn will be better.
I spent 11 years on Celexa before my new doctor showed me the studies stating it may be statistically no more effective than placebo. We decided to stop Celexa after switching me to something immediately more effective.
Let me tell you, gradually stopping Celexa was a little piece of hell. I ramped down gradually from 20 mg to zero. Symptoms appeared immediately and reached their worst as soon as I was off the medication entirely. Here is a list of the symptoms I suffered:
– hives from head to toe – one day
– feeling that every nerve in my body was exposed – a week
– feeling that gnats were biting every surface of my skin – one day
– nausea – two months
– dizziness – two months
– diarrhea – one month
– astoundingly low concentration. I didn’t drive unless I had to. – two months and still counting
– wicked insomnia – one week
– sobbing for no reason even though I have never been much of a crier – two weeks
– having such a thin skin that basically everybody in my life offends me – two months and counting
– speaking aggressively to people (family and strangers alike) even though I’m a very gentle and thoughtful person – two months and counting
– being irritable to the point I can’t sit still – several weeks
– fear and anxiety – two months and counting
I’ve felt like a total mess through this process and I’m not done. I’m still working out what my life will be without Celexa. It will take time and hard work to lose all the weight I put on because of it. I was emotionally numbed for those 11 years and didn’t truly grieve the passing of my parents because of it. The emotion is bubbling up now and I am beginning to work it through.
I regret the day I ever agreed to take Celexa. It left some points of devastation in my life. I am currently on very low doses of two meds that are working much better than Celexa ever did and they have basically no side effects. If you are getting off SSRI’s, get support. It may be pretty rough. But don’t second guess yourself. If you start the weaning process, buckle down and finish it. There is light on the other side. I am not symptom free from Celexa yet, but I am getting there.
Thank you for sharing your story. I am determined to be Celexa free.
I have been off Celexa for about a week and a half and I feel miserable. I slept for 17 hours after a few days of not being on it, which is really unusual for me, and I have had extreme nausea, and dizziness, it definitely makes me feel better knowing that I’m not crazy, and other people are going through similar experiences. I have been on 40 mg for almost 2 years. So I’m hoping that the symptoms will start getting better.
Hello and thanks for all your comments. Very reassuring to hear others experiencing similar symptoms. I’ve only been taking 20 mg for around 8 months, and it definitely helped me get a handle on my extreme anxiety, triggered by menopause and stress. I have, however, gained a huge amount of weight, and sleep long hours, so time to withdraw.
Going very gradual, but still getting dizzy spells and mild nausea. Dreams are intense, and Im not terribly tolerant of others, but a lot of that could be hormonal. I was also prescribed a low dose beta blocker, propanolol to help me through panic attacks, and although I appreciate they may not be appropriate for everyone, they are an enormous help if I really wobble whilst withdrawing from the Citalopram.
Brain zaps, brain zaps, brain zaps!! I took this little number for a couple of years. I felt that after a little insight (medical research and “soul searching”) and some Spiritual guidance, I was ready to taper off. I gave it a shot and tapered over the course of a month. Throughout the two months after the final cut off, I experienced crazy brain zaps. Every time I turned my head to look at something – pshoooo, pshoooo! Very, very annoying.
I could kind of “hear” the zap inside my head and a sharp, painful sensation would course through my entire body. Afterward though, it was well worth it! First, I lost about 15 lbs. Second, my concentration improved. But I don’t think it would have been possible had I not done the research (knew what to expect) and certainly the inner reflection and Spiritual stuff helped too!
The greatest benefit of the journey was gaining the insight to recognize the warning signs/triggers, addressing the root cause that very moment, and allowing the emotions (psychological) and the chemicals (physical) that trigger the emotions to run their course – “This too, shall pass…” Now, to wean off the other two meds! Good luck!!
Hi all. I’ve been on 10 mg of Citalopram for about 16 years. That doesn’t sound like a high dose but I am VERY sensitive to the stuff. I can feel quite strange after missing just one day after all this time. But I also notice quite significantly that my energy level increases as does my sex drive and overall sense of creativity (important to my work in journalism) — along with increased anxiety and depression. I am now a week into cutting down to 5 mg/daily and all the above has heightened, along with migraine headaches.
I hope to complete this journey and come out the other side a more “whole” person, feeling my feelings fully again and develop reliable coping skills for the anxiety and depression without drugs. By the way, I just woke up in the middle of the night from a very vivid dream, the kind of which I don’t have on a full dose… I think dreaming is healthy! Nice to know this site exists.
I have been off celexa for 10 days now. The dizziness is the worst part. I use anivert and Advil to control the dizziness. I was on 20mg and reduced down to 10 mg for 3 months. The brain zaps only occurred during that time. I had no idea what they were and would only happen right before I went to sleep.
I started taking the meds to help me with being “an a-hole” but the side effects of taking it was more than what I was in store for. If you don’t mind losing all emotions then celexa is for you, but I would not advise anyone to start taking it…
I have been on Celexa for 10 years. The last 4 on 40mg. I decreased from 40mg to 20mg for 3 months then 10 mg for this past month. I have been Celexa free for 1 week. I’ve experienced brain zappers and dizziness and diarrhea, fatigue and confusion. I’ve been a bit moody but not depressed. No crying spells. I wish all the withdrawees good health and happiness.